TAKE FIVEYes, Pops is dating Jomari First posted 07:52pm (Mla time) Dec 20, 2005 By Bayani San Diego Jr.
Inquirer Editor's Note: Published on Page A2-3 of the December 21, 2005 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer POPS Fernandez is having a ball.
She said so herself, insisting “I enjoy my life now more than ever … because I have more control [over it].”
The singer-actress has become a producer as well. She staged the recent back-to-back show of her friends Jon Santos and John Lapus, and the concert of ex-husband Martin Nievera. She is also running two Pipay stores.
Inquirer Entertainment had a chat with her backstage during the recent PDI anniversary bash. She said quite a mouthful about her current roles and state of independence, Martin, rumored steady date Jomari Yllana, and the two most important men in her life—sons Robin and Ram.
What have you been busy with lately?
I’ve been in and out of the country. I also produced the Jon Santos-John Lapus show [at Zirkho]—that was super fun. I also produced Martin’s show in Ratsky’s—on his request. Christmas is just around the corner and all I want to do now is not worry about anything.
What is it like as producer? /> It’s interesting [being] on the other side of the fence. I’m learning a lot. As an artist, I can be demanding. Now I understand a producer’s point of view. Still, as an artist myself, I feel for the performers. I try to give in to my artists, as much as possible.
There was a rumor that you got back together with Martin?
That’s an undying rumor! People are always wishing and praying that we reunite. But we’re both happy. I think it’s wonderful that we’ve learned to be good friends. There’s constant adjustment—which is natural. Bottom line is, we choose to be friends because we both love our kids, Robin and Ram, very much.
How are the boys?
Robin plays the guitar and piano, sings and serves as musical director for church. Ram is into drawing. His dream is to be a cartoonist for DreamWorks.
There’s this other rumor about Jomari Yllana?
There is always a rumor about me and the people I hang out with.
Did Jomari watch the Zirkoh show?
He guested in it. We asked friends to do walk-ons; that was our gimmick. [Jomari’s brother] Anjo Yllana was also a guest, like Ogie Alcasid and Allan K. Show biz friends watched the show, like Daboy [Rudy Fernandez] and Ate Vi [Vilma Santos].
People say you and Jom look good together.
I don’t know what to make of that. Are they excited or just curious?
But what’s the latest on Jomari? Are you friends?
Yah, we’re closer. I had never been friends with him—I used to see him in show biz gatherings and TV guestings—until last year. I asked a favor and he was nice enough to oblige.
Are you seeing each other now?
We’ve been going out. That’s it.
How do you handle rumors?
I look at it as part of the business.
You seem more relaxed now, in fact.
I still hear a lot of things but I’m no longer as sensitive as I used to be. I take everything in stride now. I have more control of my life.
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